Agro entities deny relationship with coup acts and condemn vandalism

Entities representing agribusiness denied any connection with the acts of vandalism recorded on Sunday (8) at Praça dos Três Poderes, in Brasília, and condemned the actions perpetrated by extremists against democracy.

The sector was one of the main allies of former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) during his term and in the campaign for re-election.

In a note, the Abag (Brazilian Agribusiness Association) said that it stands for balance.

“Abag, with responsibility and concern for the events that took place this Sunday at the headquarters of the three Powers of the Republic in Brasilia, is positioned in favor of balance, to be sought at this tense moment”, said the entity, in a note.

“It is unreasonable, illegal and unacceptable the action of movements of invasions and vandalism, as well as hasty statements either by the private sector or the public.”

In a note, the organization claims to defend democracy, as well as “unity and love for the homeland”.

The ABCZ (Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders), in turn, in a note signed by the entity’s president, Gabriel Garcia Cid, states that “the largest livestock organization in the world does not condone practices that threaten order and democracy in the country” , and refutes the association of the sector with the acts.

“As for the mentions made in an attempt to discredit agribusiness, ABCZ reiterates that Brazilian agro is a reference and is necessary for the food security of more than 1 billion people in the world. Serious agribusiness acts in harmony with sustainability and does not support –and, much less, encourages– acts of violence, such as those recorded in the Three Powers.”

According to the entity, “disconnected and hasty speeches, in a moment of political instability, only devalue all the efforts that the productive chain has made to be in constant growth inside and outside Brazil”.

AA CropLife Brasil (CLB), an association that brings together companies and specialists in the development of technologies for sustainable agricultural production, said in a statement that the invasions and destructions this Sunday “are absolutely incompatible with the resumption of economic growth in Brazil”.

“Innovations need environments that respect democratic institutions, comply with processes and guarantee legal certainty,” he said.

“The agribusiness represented by CLB is law-abiding, dedicated producer of safe and healthy food, protector of Brazil’s biomes, developer of technologies that contribute to the mitigation of climate change, generator of jobs and a contributor to the country’s economy”, says the text.

Civil construction also condemns vandalism

On the side of civil construction –which had some businessmen targeted by the Federal Police in August last year– Secovi-SP, which represents the real estate industry, said that “attacks on the nation’s Three Powers in no way match the legitimate demonstrations public events that have been taking place until then, all of them peaceful and consistent with the nature of Brazilians”.

According to the entity, “the illegalities committed, which must be punished with the rigor of the law, are unacceptable” and the acts “do not reflect the true spirit of the population”.

“It is opportunism that only weakens the right to opinion and position that freedom guarantees to citizens. Constitutionally established freedom and that at no time shelters actions of vandalism and depredation”, said Secovi-SP. “Brazil is the home of peace. It always has been and always will be. Let us not let some call into question this value which, in essence, is our greatest strength.”

The CBIC, on the other hand, regretted the “aggressions” and called for the “prompt restoration of public order”, with “exemplary punishment”. “Peaceful demonstrations cannot be confused with illegitimate acts of vandals who do not desire peace and harmony,” he said in a statement.

Private sector associations call for urgency and punishment of those involved

“The terrorist acts of criminals, radicals and extremists, who invaded the buildings of the Three Powers (Palácio do Planalto, the National Congress and the STF) this Sunday afternoon are extremely serious”, informed the Ethos Institute, in a note.

“It is imperative that institutions fulfill their role and act urgently to contain attacks on the Democratic State of Law and hold those involved in the attacks accountable”, informed the entity, which encourages the concepts of environmental, social and corporate responsibility (ESG) in companies , and has 454 associates, such as Carrefour, Renner, Natura and Grupo Pão de Açúcar.

The IDV (Institute for the Development of Retail), which brings together the country’s large retail chains, reported that it “repudiates any type of demonstration with violence and vandalism against the democratic rule of law and reinforces its commitment to democracy and constituted institutions” .

In the opinion of the institute, “the authorities must investigate and hold accountable, according to the law, the organizers and participants of these unacceptable events.”